Earth moving implement



March 26, 1963 A. J. VAN AUWELAER ETAL 3,082,890

EARTH MOVING IMPLEMENT Filed July 25, 1960 3 Sheets-Sheet 1 35 INVENTORS l A.J.VAN AUWELAER a D.C.AGER

AT TOR NEY March 26, 1963 A. J. VAN AUWELAER ETAL 3,

EARTH MOVING IMPLEMENT Filed July 25, 1960 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 IN V EN TORS A.J. AUWELAER ATTO RNEY March 26, 1963 A. J. VAN 'AUWELAER ETAL 3,082,890

EARTH MOVING IMPLEMENT Filed July 25, 1960 3 Sheets-Sheet 5 INVENTO A.J. VAN AUWEL a AGER 9: BYW' LL.

AT TOR NEY United States Patent 3,082,890 EARTH MGVING LEMENT Albert J. Van Auwelaer, East Moline, 111., and Douglas C. Ager, Muscatine, Iowa, assignors to Deere & Company, Moline, 111., a corporation of Delaware Filed .iuiy 25, 1960, Ser. No. 45,1tl4 17 Ciairns. (Q1. M r-13$) This invention relates to a tractor-backhoe assembly and more particularly to an improvement for the backhoe which comprises basically a guard and support for the hydraulic hoses extending between the hydraulic system or the tractor and the hydraulically operated mechanisms on the backhoe.

It is conventional in the backhoe type of implement to provide a transverse supporting frame attached to the rear end of the tractor. The supporting frame has retractable legs which may be lowered to ground engagement when the backhoe is being operated and which may be raised for purposes of transporting the backhoe. It is also conventional to provide as part of the backhoe a hydraulically operated swing structure carried on the supporting stand. The backhoe boom is carried on the swing structure so that the boom may be swivelled from side to side as Well as vertically. Mounted on the outer end of the boom is earth digging equipment, normally in the form of a dipper stick having a bucket at its outer end, all of which is pivoted to the end of the boom. The earth-moving equipment at the end of the boom is also operated hydraulically and consequently there is provi-' sion for carrying or supporting hydraulic hoses extending from the hydraulic system of the tractor to the hydraulically operated swing structure as well as the hydraulic units on the earth-digging equipment. The hydraulic hoses extending from the tractor to the backhoe must pass over, under, or through the supporting stand. Also, since the various parts of the backhoe are movable relative to the stand, there must be sufiicient hose to permit the full extension of the hydraulic systems. Consequently, the hydraulic hoses can become fairly bulky and may become a hindrance relative to the proper operation of the backhoe structure.

It is therefore the primary object of the present invention to incorporate in a conventional type of tractor-backhoe assembly a new and novel arrangement of structure which will support the various hoses on the supporting stand and will also permit a degree of articulation of the hoses as the various parts of the backhoe are operated.

Specifically, it is an object of the present invention to provide a hose guard which will underlie the hoses passing under the supporting frame so that stones, or other type of material will not snag or otherwise injure the hoses. It is proposed to build the guard to two portions, the first being rigidly supported to the under side of the frame and the second portion being swivelled to the first portion and extending rearwardly or in the direction of the boom and so mounted so that it will swing laterally about the axes of the swing structure. The outer end of the second frame portion is connected to the swing structure so that as the backhoe is swung from one side to the other, the guard portions will remain in a protective underlying position relative to the hoses. It is a further object of the present invention to incorporate into the hose guard a hose clamping device which will rigidly support the hoses on the underside of the supporting frame and will prevent the hoses from sliding fore-and-aft relative to the supporting frame.

It is still a further object of the present invention to incorporate into the aforementioned guard structure a shield member above the hoses and extending from the underside of the supporting frame rearwardly and then upwardly so that the hoses will rub against the smooth Patented Mar. 26, 1953 surface of the shield and not against the underside of the swing structure or the underside of the supporting frame.

Other objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art as the nature of the invention is better understood from the following disclosure and as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is a side and rear perspective view of the backhoe and tractor assembly which incorporates the features of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an enlarged side and rear perspective view of the backhoe swing cylinder and a portion of the boom showing the clamping mechanism prior to its connection to the supporting structure. FIG. 3 is a side and rear perspective view looking slightly upwardly into the lower portion of the swing cylinder and showing the clamping mechanism and a portion of the guard structure mounted on the underside of the supporting frame.

FIG. 4 is a view somewhat similar to FIG. 3 but showing the entire guard structure in its operating position.

FIG. 5 is a vertical transverse sectional view of a lower portion of the swing cylinder and shield structure.

Referring now to the drawings, the tractor is of conventional type having an elongated body 10 carried at its forward end by transversely spaced front wheels, one being shown at 11, and at its rear end by transversely spaced traction wheels 12, 13. The tractor has incorporated therein a hydraulic system, not shown, but of the usual and conventional type. Supported from the rear end of the tractor is a transverse upright supporting stand 1'5 having retractable legs, one of which is shown on the right end at 16, on opposite ends. As may be seen from viewing FIG. 1, the supporting legs may be raised to permit transporting of the backhoe and may be lowered for supporting the backhoe when the backhoe is in operation. A pair of vertically spaced and rearwardly facing tracks 17, 18 are provided on the supporting stand 15. Slidably carried on the transverse track 17, 18 is a rearwardly projecting backhoe support 19. The backhoe support 19 has upper and lower rearwardly projecting portions 20, 211 respectively. The portions 20, 21 are provided with suitable liners at 22, 23 which carry for nonrotation relative to the frame an upright column, not shown. The lower liner 23 is bolted to the under surface of the support portion 21 such bolts being shown at 24 in FIGS. 2, 3, and 4. Supported on the post is a swing or swivel cylinder '25 having upper and lower and rearwardly projecting ears or lugs 26, 27, the lower of which receives a transverse horizontal pivot pin 28 connecting thereto a vertically swingable boom structure 29. The upper ears or lugs 26 carry a conventional type extensible and retractable hydraulic cylinder which operates to raise and lower the boom 28. The entire supporting frame 19' is fixed against sliding on the track .17, 18 by means of bolts 30 received in openings, such as at 3:1, in the tracks 17, '18. The rotary type swing cylinder 25 has rearwardly positioned hose couplings 32, 33 on its rear face receiving the upper or terminal ends of hydraulic hoses 34, 35. The cylinder 25 is provided with suitable internal vanes, not shown, against which the hydraulic fluid operates to swivel the cylinder 25 and the boom about the upright column. The outer or rear end of the boom 29 has pivotally mounted thereon a dipper stick 40 which in turn has a bucket 4-1 pivotally mounted at its outer end. Extensible and retractable hydraulic cylinders 42, 43 operate to move the dipper stick 40 about its pivot and the bucket 41 about its pivot respectively.

The tractor and backhoe have been described only generally and only sufliciently for purposes of orientation.

However, should further description be desired, such may be had by referring to pending applications of Messrs. John L. French, Albert J. Van Auwelaer, and Douglas C. A-ger, Serial No. 760,266, filed September 10, 1958, and his. Patent 2,994,446 issued to Messrs. Albert J. Van Auwelaer, and Oskar J. Johansen.

The hoses for operating the hydraulic units 42, 43 and the swing cylinder 25 extend below the underside of the main supporting frame 15 and then upwardly to the couplings 32, 33 or into the hollow boom 29 to eventually be connected to the respective cylinders 42, 43. The hoses are clamped by upper and lower clamping plates 46, 47 and are rigidly held between the plates 46, 47 by tightening bolts 48. The upper plate .46 is welded to a cross bar or beam 50 which in turn may be bolted, such as at -1, to the underside of the rearwardly projecting support portion 21. Consequently the hoses are held closely adjacent to the underside of the main supporting frame and its rearwardly and rigidly projecting support 21.

The cross beam 50 carries at opposite ends thereof pairs of depending brackets 52, 53 respectively. A U- shaped first or forward guard member 55, having a laterally extending portion 56 beneath the hoses and a pair of upwardly extending side portions 57, 58 positioned on opposite sides of the hoses, is bolted to the depending brackets 52, 53, such bolts being shown on the left side at 59. Positioned adjacent the rear edge of the lateral portion and extending therethrough is a vertical pivot bolt 60. The axis of the bolt 60 is co-extensive with the vertical axis of the hydraulic cylinder 25.

A second or rear guard member 61 has its forward end pivotally connected to the pivot bolt 60 and is locked thereon by a nut 62, slip-washers, not shown, being provided so as to permit swivelling'of the guard member 61. The rear guard'61 has a laterally disposed floor portion positioned under the hoses. The portion 64 is flared up wardly at both its front and rear edges 63, 65 respectively. A pair of opposite disposed sidewalls 66, 67 extend upwardly from opposite edges of the portions 64, 65. A pair of brackets 68, 69 is fixed to the respective side walls 66, 67 by means of vertically spaced bolt and nut combinations 70, 7d. The brackets 68, 69 are provided with aligned openings, such as at 72, which receive the outer ends of the transverse pivot pins 28, previously mentioned relative to the purpose of mounting the boom 29 on the ear members 27. As clearly indicated by the drawings, therefore, the rear guard member 61 will swivel about the pivot bolt60 in response to the cylinder and the boom 29 swinging about the vertical axis of the cylinder. Also, as clearly evident in FIG. 5, the rear guard member 61 and particularly the floor portion 64 is dished downwardly to provide a Well for receiving the excess hose as it is created through vertical movement of the boom 29.

A shield 80 is disposed above and forwardly of the hoses, and is supported by a transverse metal strap 81 bolted to the underside of the sleeve 23, the bolts 24 used for mounting the sleeve 23 to the support member 21 being further used for the purpose of supporting the strap 81. Directly beneath and on thev axis of the swing cylinder 25 is provided a swivel pin 82 connecting the forward end of the shield 80 to the transverse strap 81. Consequently the shield 80 may swing on the pin 82. The shield 80 extends rearwardly and laterally from the pin 82 to a point outwardly of the edge of the lower support 21 and then upwardly between the cars 27 of the swing cylinder 225-. Since the ears 27 will be disposed on opposite sides of the shield 80, swinging of the cylinder 25 will also cause the shield 80 to swivel about the pin 82. i As is rather obvious from viewing the drawings, the shield 80 operates to'protect the hoses from coming into coiitact with the rather rough lower edges of the support 21 and cylinder 25. The guards 55, 61 are so positioned to protect the underside of the hoses from contact with sharp or jagged portions on the ground. Also when traveling in transport position, the guards 55, 61 will prevent the hoses from hooking on obstacles extending upwardly from the ground. The upper shield will generally protect the hoses against wear of the frame itself. Since the rearward guard 61 and the shield 80 are pivoted on axis co-ex'tensive with the axis of the cylinder 25, neither will effect the swivelling or swinging of the boom 29. I

While only one form of the invention has been shown, it is recognized that other forms and variations will occur to those skilled in the art. Therefore, it should be understood that the description is shown for the purpose of clearly and concisely illustrating the principles of the invention, and it is not the intention by so doing to limit or narrow the invention beyond the broad concepts set forth in the appended claims.

What is claimed isz 1. A hose guard for a tractor backhoe assembly in which the tractor has a hydraulic system and the backhoe has a transverse supporting stand connected to the tractor with an underside thereof spacedly from but comparatively close to the ground, a hydraulically operated swing structure mounted on the supporting stand for swinging about a vertical axis, a boom structure supported on the swing structure projecting outwardly and carrying earth moving equipment at its outer end, hydraulic means associated with the boom structure and earth moving equipment, and hydraulic hoses extending from the hydraulic system of the tractor to an area beneath the underside of the supporting stand and from thence upwardly to said hydraulically operated swing structure and said hydraulic means, said hose guard comprising: a hose clamp mounted on the underside of the supporting stand and holding the hoses in close proximity to the underside; a first guard member fixedly attachable to the underside and having a laterally disposed portion beneath the hoses and upright side portions disposed on opposite sides of the hoses; a second guard member disposed under the hoses projecting from one end adjacent the first guard member outwardly to an opposite end; vertical pivot means interconnecting said first and second member, said vertical pivot means being axially co-extensive with the vertical axis of said swing structure; means connecting said second member to said swing structure whereby the former will swivel about the pivot means in response to the latter swinging about its axis; a shield disposed on the opposite side of the hoses than the second guard member and extending first outwardly and then upwardly to protect said hoses against rubbing contact with the supporting stand; a vertical swivel support on said underside mounting the shield on the stand to swivel about an axis coextensive with the aforesaid vertical axes; and means between the shield and the swing structure effecting lateral swinging of the former in response to the latter.

2. A hose guard for a tractor backhoe assembly in which the tractor has a hydraulic system and the backhoe has a transverse supporting stand connected to the tractor with an underside thereof spacedly from but comparatively close to the ground, a hydraulically operated swing structure mounted on the supporting stand for swinging about a vertical axis, a boom structure supported on the swing structure projecting outwardly and carrying earth moving equipment at its outer end, hydraulic means associated with the boom structure and earth moving equipment, and hydraulic hoses extending from the hydraulic system of the tractor to an area beneath the underside of the supporting stand and from thence upwardly to said hydraulically operated swing structure and said hydraulic means, said hose guard comprising: a first guard member fixedly attachable to the underside and having a laterally disposed portion beneath the hoses and upright side port'ions disposed on opposite sides of the hoses; a second guard member disposed under the hoses and projecting from one end adjacent the first guard member outwardly to an opposite end; vertical pivot means interconnecting said first and second member, said vertical pivot means being axially coextensive with the vertical axis of said swing structure; means connecting said second member to said swing structure whereby the former will swivel about the pivot means in response to the latter swinging about its axis; a shield disposed above the hoses and extending first outwardly and then upwardly to protect said hoses against rubbing contact with the supporting stand; a vertical swivel support on said underside mounting the shield on the stand to swivel about an axis coextensive with the aforesaid vertical axes; and means between the shield and the swing structure eliecting lateral swinging of the former in response to the latter.

3. A hose guard for a tractor backhoe assembly in which the tractor has a hydraulic system and the backhoe has a transverse supporting stand connected to the tractor with an underside thereof spacedly from the ground, a hydraulically operated swing structure mounted on the supporting stand for swinging about a vertical axis, a boom structure supported on the swing structure projecting outwardly and carrying earth moving equipment at its outer end, hydraulic means associated with the boom structure and earth moving equipment, and hydraulic hoses extending from the hydraulic system of the tractor to an area beneath the underside of the supporting stand and from thence upwardly to said hydraulically operated swing structure and said hydraulic means, said hose guard comprising: a first guard member fixedly attachable to the underside and having a laterally disposed portion beneath the hoses and upright side portions disposed on opposite sides of the hoses; a second guard member disposed under the hoses and projecting from one end adjacent the first guard member outwardly to an opposite end; vertical pivot means interconnecting said first and second member, said vertical pivot means being axially coextensive with the vertical aids of said swing structure; and means connecting said second member to said swing structure whereby the former will swivel about the pivot means in response to the latter swinging about its axis.

4. A hose guard for a tractor implement assembly in which the tractor has a hydraulic system and the implement has a supporting stand connected to the tractor, a hydraulically operated swing structure mounted on the supporting stand for swinging about a vertical axis, a boom structure supported on the swing structure projecting outwardly and carrying earth moving equipment at its outer end, hydraulic means associated with the boom structure and earth moving equipment, and hydraulic hoses extending from the hydraulic system of the tractor to said hydraulically operated swing structure and said hydraulic means, said hose guard comprising: a first guard member fixedly attachable to the supporting stand and having a laterally disposed portion adjacent the hoses and upright side portions disposed on opposite sides of the hoses; a second guard member disposed adjacent the hoses and projecting from one end adjacent the first guard member outwardly to an opposite end; vertical pivot means interconnecting said first and second member, said vertical pivot means being axially coextensive with the vertical axis of said swing structure; and means connecting said second member to said swing structure whereby the former will swivel about the pivot means in response to the latter swinging about its axis.

5. A hose guard for a tractor implement assembly in which the tractor has a hydraulic system and the implement has a supporting stand connected to the tractor, a hydraulically operated swing structure mounted on the supporting stand for swinging about a vertical axis, a boom structure supported on the swing structure projecting outwardly and carrying earth moving equipment at its outer end, hydraulic means associated with the boom structure and earth moving equipment, and hydraulic hoses extending from the hydraulic system of the tractor to said hydraulically operated swing structure and said hydraulic means, said hose guard comprising: a first guard member fixedly attachable to the supporting stand and having a laterally disposed portion adjacent the hoses and upright side portions disposed on opposite sides of the hoses; a second guard member disposed adjacent the hoses and projecting from one end adjacent the first guard member outwardly to an opposite end; vertical pivot means interconnecting said first and second member; and means connecting said second member to said swing structure whereby the former will swivel about the pivot means in response to the latter swinging about its axis.

6. On a backhoe assembly adapted for mounting on a tractor having a hydraulic system, the backhoe having a transverse supporting stand mounted on the rear of the tractor, a rearwardly projecting support on the stand, a vertically disposed and hydraulically operated swing cylinder mounted on the rearwardly projecting support for revolving about a vertical axis, a boom strucutre supported on the swing cylinder projecting outwardly therefrom and carrying earth moving equipment at its outer end, hydraulic means associated with the boom structure and earth moving equipment, and hydraulic hoses extending from the hydraulic system of the tractor beneath the rearwardly projecting support and from thence upwardly to said hydraulically operated swing cylinder and said hydraulic means, the improvement comprising: a hose clamp mounted on the underside of the support and holding the hoses in close proximity thereto; a first guard member fixedly attachable to the rearwardly projecting support and having a laterally disposed portion beneath the hoses and upright side portions disposed on opposite sides of the hoses; a second guard member disposed under the hoses and projecting rearwardly from one end adjacent the first guard member; vertical pivot means interconnecting said first and second member, said vertical pivot means being coextensive with the vertical axis of said swing cylinder; means connecting said second member to said swing cylinder whereby the former will swivel about the pivot means in response to the latter swinging about its axis; a shield disposed above the hoses extending first rearwardly and then upwardly; a vertical swivel on said rearwardly projecting support mounting the shield on the latter to swivel about an axis coextensive with the aforesaid vertical axis; and means between the shield and the swing cylinder effecting lateral swinging of the former in response to the latter.

7. On a backhoe assembly adapted for mounting on a tractor having a hydraulic system, the backhoe having a transverse supporting stand mounted on the rear of the tractor, a rearwardly projecting support on the stand, a vertically disposed and hydraulically operated swing cylinder mounted on the rearwardly projecting support for revolving about a vertical axis, a boom structure supported on the swing cylinder projecting outwardly therefrom and carrying earth moving equipment at its outer end, hydraulic means associated with the boom structure and earth moving equipment, and hydraulic hoses extending from the hydraulic system of the tractor beneath the rearwardly projecting support and from thence upwardly to said hydraulically operated swing cylinder and said hydraulic means, the improvement comprising: a first guard member fixedly attachable to the rearwardly projecting support and having a laterally disposed portion beneath the hoses and upright side portions disposed on opposite sides of the hoses; a second guard member disposed under the hoses and projecting rearwardly from one end adjacent the first guard member; vertical pivot means interconnecting said first and second member, said vertical pivot means being coextensive with the vertical axis of said swing cylinder; means connecting said second member to said swing cylinder whereby the former will swivel about the pivot means in response to the latter swinging about its axis.

8. On a backhoe assembly adapted for mounting on a tractor having a hydraulic system, the backhoe having a transverse supporting stand mounted on the rear of the tractor, a rearwardly projecting support on the stand, a

vertically disposed and hydraulically operated swing cylinder mounted on the rearwardly projecting support for revolving about a'vertical axis, a boom structure sup ported on the swingcylinder projecting outwardly therefrom and carrying earth moving equipment at its outer end, hydraulic means associated with the boom structure and earth moving equipment, and hydraulic hoses extending from the hydraulic system of the tractor beneath the rearwardly projecting support and from thence upwardly to said hydraulically operated swing cylinder and said hydraulic means, the improvement comprising: a laterally disposed guard member under the hoses; vertical pivot means mounting the guard member on the rearwardly projecting support, said vertical pivot means being coextensive with the vertical axis of said swing cylinder; means connecting said guard member to said swing cylinder whereby the former will swivel about the pivot means in response to the latter swinging about its axis; a shield disposed above the hoses extending first rearwardly and then upwardly; a vertical swivel on said rearwardly projecting support mounting the shield on the latter to swivel about an axis coextensive with the aforesaid vertical axis; and means between the shield and the swing cylinder effecting lateral swinging of the former in response to the latter.

9. Oua backhoe assembly adapted for mounting on a tractor having a hydraulic system, the backhoe having a transverse supporting stand mounted on the rear of the tractor, a rearwardly projecting support on the stand, a vertically disposed and hydraulically operated swing cylinder mounted on the rearwardly projecting support for revolving about a vertical axis, a boom structure supported on the swing cylinder projecting outwardly therefrom and carrying earth moving equipment at its outer end, hydraulic means associated with the boom structure and earth moving equipment, and hydraulic hoses extending from the hydraulic system of the tractor beneath the rearwardly projecting support and from thence upwardly to said hydraulically operated swing cylinder and said hydraulic means, the improvement comprising: a laterally disposed guard member under the hoses; a vertical pivot means mounting the guard member on the rearwardly projecting support; said vertical pivot means being coextensive with the vertical axis of said swing cylinder; and means connecting said guard member to said swing cylinder whereby the former will swivel about its pivot axis in response to the latter swinging about its axis.

10. The invention defined in claim 9 in which the guard member is disposed under the hoses and has therein a well portion for receiving excess hose.

11. On a backhoe assembly adapted for mounting on a tractor having a hydraulic system, the backhoe having a transverse supporting stand mounted on the rear of the tractor, a rearwardly projecting support on the stand, a vertically disposed and hydraulically operated swing cylinder mounted on the rearwardly pro ecting support for revolving about a vertical axis, a boom structure supported on the swing cylinder projecting outwardly therefrom and carrying earth moving equipment at its outer end, hydraulic means associated with the boom structure and earth moving equipment, and hydraulic hoses extending from the hydraulic system of the'tractor beneath the rearwardly projecting support and from thence upwardly to said hydraulically operated swing cylinder and said hydraulic means, the improvement comprising: a laterally disposed guard member under the hoses; vertlcal pivot means mounting the guard member on the rearwardly projecting support; and means connecting said guard member to said swing cylinder whereby the former will swivel about its pivot axis in response to the latter swinging about its axis.

12. A guard for a tractor implement assembly in which the tactor has a hydraulic system and the implement has a supporting stand connected to the tractor, a

boom structure, swivel means mounting the boom structure on the supporting stand, hydraulic means associated with the boom structure, and hydraulic conduit means extending from the hydraulic system to the hydraulic means, said guard comprising: a first guard member fixedly attached to the supported stand and having a laterally disposed portion adjacent the conduit means and side portions on opposite sides of the conduit means; a second guard member disposed adjacent the conduit means and extending from one end adjacent the first guard member to a second end adjacent the boom structure, the adjacent ends of the first and second guard members being interrelated so as to accommodate relative movement between the first and second guard members while retaining protection for the conduit means; and means connecting the second end of the second guard member to the boom structure whereby the former will move relative to the first guard member upon the boom structure swiveling relative to the supporting stand.

13. A guard for a tractor implement assembly in which the tractor has a hydraulic system and the implement has a supporting stand connected to the tractor, a boom structure, swivel means mounting the boom structure on the supporting stand, hydraulic means associated with the boom structure, and hydraulic conduit means extending from the hydraulic system to the hydraulic means, said guard comprising: an elongated first guard member fixedly attached to the supporting stand in protective relation to the conduit means; a second guard member disposed in protective relation to the conduit means and extending from one end adjacent the first guard member toward the boom structure, the adjacent ends of the first and second guard members being interrelated so as to accommodate relative movement between the first and second guard members while retaining protection for the conduit means; and means connecting the second guard member to the boom structure whereby the former will move relative to the first guard member upon the boom structure swiveling relative to the supporting stand.

14. A guard for a tractor implement assembly in which the tractor has a hydraulic system and the implement has a supporting stand connected to the tractor and normally supported on the ground, a boom structure, swivel means mounting one end of the boom structure on the supporting stand, hydraulic means associated With the boom structure, and hydraulic conduit means extending from the hydraulic system to the hydraulic means, said guard comprising: a first guard member fixedly attached to the supporting stand and having a laterally disposed portion underlying the conduit means; a second guard member having a laterally disposed portion underlying the conduit means and extending from an end adjacent the first guard member toward the boom structure, the adjacent ends of the first and second guard members being interrelated so as to accommodate relative movement between the first and second guard members while retaining protection for the conduit means; and means connecting the second guard member to the boom structure whereby the former will move relative to the first guard member upon the boom structure swiveling relative to the supporting stand.

15. A guard for a tractor implement assembly in which the tractor has a hydraulic system and the implement has a supporting stand connected to the tractor and normally supported on the ground, a boom structure, swivel means mounting one end of the boom structure on the supporting stand, hydraulic means associated with the boom structure, and hydraulic conduit means extending from the hydraulic system to the hydraulic means, said guard comprising: a guard member adjacent the conduit means and in protective relation to the conduit means; means connecting the guard member to the supporting stand so as to accommodate relative movement between the guard member and stand while retaining protection for the conduit means; and means connecting the guard member to the boom structure whereby the former will move relative to the supporting stand in response to the boom structure swiveling relative to the supporting stand.

16. The invention defined in claim 15 in which the tractor and implement are positioned on opposite sides of the supporting stand, the supporting stand has a lateral surface overlying the conduit means and the guard member includes a portion thereof which is disposed beneath the conduit means and below the aforesaid lateral surface.

17. A guard for a tractor implement assembly in which the tractor has a hydraulic system and the implement has a supporting stand connected to the tractor, a boom struc ture, swivel means mounting the boom structure on the supporting stand, hydraulic means associated with the boom structure, and hydraulic conduit means extending from the hydraulic system to the hydraulic means, said guard comprising: first and second guard members in protective relation to the conduit means and attached to the supporting stand and boom structure respectively, said guard having overlapping adjacent ends for accommodating relative movement between the first and second guard members while retaining protection for the conduit means upon the boom structure swiveling relative to the supporting stand.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 

1. A HOSE GUARD FOR A TRACTOR BACKHOE ASSEMBLY IN WHICH THE TRACTOR HAS A HYDRAULIC SYSTEM AND THE BACKHOE HAS A TRANSVERSE SUPPORTING STAND CONNECTED TO THE TRACTOR WITH AN UNDERSIDE THEREOF SPACEDLY FROM BUT COMPARATIVELY CLOSE TO THE GROUND, A HYDRAULICALLY OPERATED SWING STRUCTURE MOUNTED ON THE SUPPORTING STAND FOR SWINGING ABOUT A VERTICAL AXIS, A BOOM STRUCTURE SUPPORTED ON THE SWING STRUCTURE PROJECTING OUTWARDLY AND CARRYING EARTH MOVING EQUIPMENT AT ITS OUTER END, HYDRAULIC MEANS ASSOCIATED WITH THE BOOM STRUCTURE AND EARTH MOVING EQUIPMENT, AND HYDRAULIC HOSES EXTENDING FROM THE HYDRAULIC SYSTEM OF THE TRACTOR TO AN AREA BENEATH THE UNDERSIDE OF THE SUPPORTING STAND AND FROM THENCE UPWARDLY TO SAID HYDRAULICALLY OPERATED SWING STRUCTURE AND SAID HYDRAULIC MEANS, SAID HOSE GUARD COMPRISING: A HOSE CLAMP MOUNTED ON THE UNDERSIDE OF THE SUPPORTING STAND AND HOLDING THE HOSES IN CLOSE PROXIMITY TO THE UNDERSIDE; A FIRST GUARD MEMBER FIXEDLY ATTACHABLE TO THE UNDERSIDE AND HAVING A LATERALLY DISPOSED PORTION BENEATH THE HOSES AND UPRIGHT SIDE PORTIONS DISPOSED ON OPPOSITE SIDES OF THE HOSES; A SECOND GUARD MEMBER DISPOSED UNDER THE HOSES AND PROJECTING FROM ONE END ADJACENT THE FIRST GUARD MEMBER OUTWARDLY TO AN OPPOSITE END; VERTICAL PIVOT MEANS INTERCONNECTING SAID FIRST AND SECOND MEMBER, SAID VERTICAL PIVOT MEANS BEING AXIALLY CO-EXTENSIVE WITH THE VERTICAL AXIS OF SAID SWING STRUCTURE; MEANS CONNECTING SAID SECOND MEMBER TO SAID SWING STRUCTURE WHEREBY THE FORMER WILL SWIVEL ABOUT THE PIVOT MEANS IN RESPONSE TO THE LATTER SWINGING ABOUT ITS AXIS; A SHIELD DISPOSED ON THE OPPOSITE SIDE OF THE HOSES THAN THE SECOND GUARD MEMBER AND EXTENDING FIRST OUTWARDLY AND THEN UPWARDLY TO PROTECT SAID HOSES AGAINST RUBBING CONTACT WITH THE SUPPORTING STAND; A VERTICAL SWIVEL SUPPORT ON SAID UNDERSIDE MOUNTING THE SHIELD ON THE STAND TO SWIVEL ABOUT AN AXIS COEXTENSIVE WITH THE AFORESAID VERTICAL AXES; AND MEANS BETWEEN THE SHIELD AND THE SWING STRUCTURE EFFECTING LATERAL SWINGING OF THE FORMER IN RESPONSE TO THE LATTER. 